🌍 Rising Temperatures and Home Costs: A Study of Climate Perception in Tucson, Arizona
Project Overview
Conducted by Gabriel Joaquin Gutierrez at the University of Arizona’s College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, this research explores how rising global temperatures are influencing the perception of home costs and housing values. The project focuses on Tucson, Arizona—one of the nation’s hottest metropolitan areas—where residents are already feeling the effects of extreme heat on both property and pocketbook.
Purpose & Goals
The study investigates how homeowners and future homebuyers perceive the connection between climate change, rising utility bills, and long-term housing affordability. By comparing perspectives from two key groups—homeowners in the Palo Verde neighborhood and students at the University of Arizona—the research reveals how concern for climate impacts may shape future real estate markets and urban planning decisions.
Methods
Using a combination of field surveys, interviews, and theoretical analysis, participants were asked about their experiences and opinions on:
Increases in utility costs due to higher temperatures
Climate-related damage to homes
Awareness and preparedness for sustainable housing solutions
Key Findings
95% of surveyed homeowners believe rising temperatures have increased their utility costs.
Over 70% expect climate-related damage to worsen over time.
Most participants believe the real estate industry is not yet ready to provide affordable, effective climate solutions.
Significance
This study highlights the urgent need for sustainable development practices, climate-resilient construction, and public awareness in desert cities like Tucson. The findings can inform developers, policymakers, and architects about how to better address climate adaptation in housing affordability and design.
Future Steps
Building on this foundation, the research suggests expanding climate perception studies to other regions and integrating sustainable building systems—such as green insulation, renewable energy, and heat-mitigating urban design—to ensure housing markets remain stable in the face of global warming.